When we’re thinking about making our homes more energy efficient, our attention tends to go straight to big-ticket upgrades—like changing the boiler, adding loft insulation, or installing triple-glazed windows. But we’ve found that controlling heat loss and gain through windows doesn’t always need to involve major renovations. One of the most cost-effective and accessible ways to improve your home’s thermal performance is by choosing the right window coverings. That leads to a common question we hear regularly: are blinds or curtains better for energy efficiency?
The truth is, both blinds and curtains have energy-saving potential, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the type, material, installation, and how they’re used. We’ve worked with thousands of homeowners over the years and can say from experience that the right choice depends on your specific windows, your home’s insulation levels, and how you use each room.
How Heat Escapes Through Windows
Before comparing blinds and curtains directly, it’s worth understanding the problem they’re both trying to address. Windows, even those that are double-glazed, can be responsible for up to 18% of heat loss in a typical home, according to the Energy Saving Trust. In summer, they also allow a significant amount of solar heat to enter, which increases the need for artificial cooling.
So whether you choose blinds, curtains, or a combination of both, the aim is the same: reduce unwanted heat loss in winter and prevent heat build-up in summer.
Thermal Performance of Blinds
Blinds have come a long way in terms of both style and functionality. When it comes to energy efficiency, we’ve found that the best-performing blinds are those designed with insulation in mind. Honeycomb or cellular blinds, for example, have a layered structure that traps air and reduces heat transfer. Similarly, roller blinds with a thermal backing can significantly reduce heat escaping through the glass.
One of the biggest advantages of blinds is how closely they fit to the window frame. A well-fitted blind creates a tighter seal and can help minimise draughts, especially if they’re made-to-measure. We offer professional fitting services for exactly this reason—gaps around the edge can quickly undo all the benefits you’d expect from an energy-saving blind.
Blinds also tend to be more flexible in terms of light and heat control. Venetian, vertical, and day-and-night blinds allow you to adjust the angle of slats or layers to let in light while blocking heat or cold. This kind of precise control can be particularly useful in rooms that get full sun exposure during the day.
Energy Efficiency of Curtains
Thick, heavy curtains have long been considered an effective way to insulate windows. When closed, especially in the evening, they can trap a pocket of air between the fabric and the glass, reducing heat loss. In our experience, thermal-lined or interlined curtains offer the best results, particularly if they’re floor-length and extend beyond the window edges.
The key to making curtains energy efficient lies in their fit and material. Curtains that hang just to the bottom of the window sill don’t perform nearly as well as full-length curtains that overlap the sides and extend past the top of the window. The heavier and more tightly woven the fabric, the more insulating it will be. That’s why we often recommend layered curtains for large or draughty windows—such as in period properties where modern glazing isn’t always possible.
However, one drawback with curtains is that they need to be opened and closed fully to manage heat and light. Unlike blinds, they don’t offer much flexibility throughout the day, unless you’re home to adjust them regularly. And if curtains are left open, especially during winter evenings, a significant amount of heat can escape.
Combining Curtains and Blinds
In many cases, the most effective solution is a combination of both. Layering thermal blinds with heavy curtains can dramatically improve a room’s insulation, particularly on older windows. We’ve worked on projects where this dual approach led to noticeably warmer interiors and reduced heating use during colder months.
For example, a thermal roller blind fitted close to the window, paired with interlined curtains, can reduce draughts, trap warmth, and still offer a pleasing aesthetic. The same pairing can also be used in reverse during the summer, keeping blinds down during the day to reflect heat while keeping curtains open for airflow.
We always advise our customers to think about how each room is used. A bedroom with large windows might benefit more from the full insulation that curtains offer, while a south-facing kitchen could gain from the flexibility and heat reflection of blinds.
Room-by-Room Considerations
Different rooms in your home will have different requirements, and we always take this into account when offering guidance. For instance:
Living rooms often benefit from layered solutions. Blinds provide daytime privacy and temperature control, while curtains add insulation in the evenings.
Bedrooms may need blackout blinds or thermal-lined curtains to block light and retain heat, especially during colder months.
Kitchens and bathrooms usually call for moisture-resistant materials. Here, blinds are often the better choice due to their ease of cleaning and better fit in smaller window spaces.
Conservatories and large glass doors almost always benefit from made-to-measure blinds due to the large surface area of exposed glass.
Fit and Installation: Why It Matters
No matter whether you choose blinds or curtains, the installation must be done properly to maximise energy efficiency. Ill-fitting blinds or poorly hung curtains leave gaps that allow air to pass through, cancelling out any thermal benefits. We always recommend measuring precisely and, where possible, opting for custom solutions that sit flush to the wall or window recess.
Made-to-measure blinds, like the ones we supply and install, ensure that you get the tightest possible fit—essential when trying to reduce heat loss and improve overall efficiency. If you’re unsure where to start, our measuring and fitting guides
are a great place to get practical advice tailored to different window types.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Better?
So, are blinds or curtains better for energy efficiency? In truth, both offer their own benefits, and the right choice depends on your home and lifestyle. Blinds offer flexibility, a neater fit, and modern thermal options that work well for everyday use. Curtains, particularly when lined or layered, offer superior insulation and are excellent for draughty spaces.
Our experience has shown that combining both often provides the best results—especially when they’re chosen with your home’s specific needs in mind. Whether you’re upgrading a single window or planning a whole-house energy efficiency update, we’re here to help you make informed choices that work for both your comfort and your energy bills.
If you’d like to explore energy-saving blinds or learn more about how window dressings can support a greener home, our energy-saving collection
is a great starting point. We’re always happy to share our expertise and help you find a solution that fits your space and your goals.
